If it wasn’t for that unmistakeable voice, you’d think that the new song “Take Me Back To The Party” was a debut from an artist barely out of her teens. A hi-energy disco throwback – complete with an irresistible fuzz-bassline, a Theremin tease and a great lyrical hook – it sounds like an incredibly adept and sincere homage to the music of someone’s grandparents. Did I just write that, “grandparents?”
At 76, Kate Pierson is the oldest member of the B-52s. Old enough to have great-grandchildren. However, she’s of an era when age – in the right body and mind – isn’t even a number anymore. Pierson, prime example; she’s more of a force than a musician. She’ll keep going, and going well, until she can’t. And when she can’t, I’m sure there will be B-52’s holograms. And damn, if I’m still alive I’d pay to see that.
Pierson wrote this single off of her new album as a nostalgic nod to her clubbing days. Which might’ve ended last year, and presumably started well before the birth of disco. “Take Me Back To The Party?” Kate, for all practical purposes you started the party – and I don’t think you ever left. God bless you.
The Kate Pierson solo album “Radios And Rainbows” hits shelves on Sept. 20.
